Clear Correct vs. Invisalign – What’s the Difference?

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Only teenagers wear aligners to help straighten their teeth and achieve a beautiful smile, right? Not anymore. Today, one-quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults. [1] Nearly 80% of adults who have straightened their teeth stated that it was one of the most “valuable transformations they have ever done”, while more than 90% said that “straight teeth affected their confidence positively.” In addition, 75% said that they “saw at least some positive impact on their life as a result of their teeth straightening.” [2].

How are they the same?

ClearCorrect and Invisalign have many similarities. Both are a clear plastic aligner that go over your top and bottom teeth, gradually straightening your teeth over time by moving them. Unlike braces, however, the aligners can be removed for eating or drinking. Both are FDA-approved, phthalate-free and BPA-free (which is important as BPA has been “shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of several endocrine disorders including female and male infertility, precocious puberty, hormone dependent tumours such as breast and prostate cancer and several metabolic disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).” [3]

Both are worn for 22 hours a day, are treatment planned and custom-made for each individual patient. Invisalign and ClearCorrect are offered by certified dentists or orthodontists, and are almost invisible compared to traditional braces, making them a popular choice among adults. Both ClearCorrect and Invisalign aligners are provided in sets as your teeth straighten and require regular appointments to check on your progress.

How are they different?

Plans:

ClearCorrect has 4 types of plans:

  • Limited 6
  • Limited 12
  • Unlimited
  • Flex

With ClearCorrect’s Unlimited plan, you will pay a flat rate for 5 years of aligner treatment with as many sets as needed. Flex, on the other hand, charges you per aligner, more ideal for milder cases. If you have a mild misalignment, you can use the Limited 6 or Limited 12 plans, which use 6 and 12 aligners, respectively.

Invisalign has 7:

  • Invisalign Full
  • Invisalign Lite
  • Invisalign i7
  • Invisalign Teen
  • Invisalign Express 5
  • Invisalign Assist
  • Invisalign First

The Full Invisalign treatment option includes unlimited aligners and is meant to correct any mild to severe malocclusion issues, i.e spaces, open bite, crowding, crossbite, and overbites. The Invisalign Express 5 and Invisalign i7 are meant for minor crowding and spacing issues and offer up to 5 aligners and 7 aligners respectively.

Treatment Time:

Treatment time varies based on the individual and the desired outcomes. However, on average, each brand takes 10 to 12 months for teeth alignment.

Cost:

Each system is based on the doctor’s treatment plan and the patient’s individual orthodontic needs. ClearCorrect costs range from $2,000-$8,000 with the lower end plan, Clear Correct Limited 6, including 6 aligners. Invisalign costs run from $3,000-$8,000. The higher price of Invisalign treatment is the Invisalign Full option.

How do I find a provider?

Fortunately, today many dentists and orthodontists now provide ClearCorrect and Invisalign treatment options. Dentists must complete an initial training with ClearCorrect to be a provider, and they also must be certified and licensed dentists. Similar to Invisalign, a dentist doesn’t need to be an orthodontist to provide ClearCorrect.

Invisalign dentists and orthodontists have a “ranking system” ranging from bronze to VIP based on how many patients she/he has treated with Invisalign aligners.

By visiting either of these sites, you can find a ClearCorrect or Invisalign provider near you:

Clear Correct: https://locate.clearcorrect.com/?view=card
Invisalign:  https://www.invisalign.ca/get-started/find-a-doctor

Citations:

[1] American Association of Orthodontists

[2] 209 NYC Dental

[3] PMID: 25813067